When you are an IT professional tasked with buying monitors for a small business, basic functions are what matter most. That, and price. You’ll also have to determine what size panel works best for each employee, what kind of features will help enhance productivity, and what kind of warranty you need. In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for when shopping for desktop monitors for your small business.

Price
Most small businesses operate within a strict budget, so it’s important to spend your capital budget wisely. A basic 22-inch monitor can cost anywhere from $150 to $250, while a 24-inch model will be in the $200 to $300 range. For employees who require more screen real estate, a basic 27-inch screen will run you between $300 and $400. If you want to replace a dual monitor setup with a single monitor, consider going with an ultra-wide model. For around $550 you can get a 29-inch ultra-wide panel that lets you easily view multiple windows using multiple input sources without having to sacrifice a lot of desktop space.

As always, be prepared to spend more for monitors with high-end, high-resolution panels and features such as height-adjustable stands, multiple digital inputs, USB ports, and webcams. For example, a 27-inch Wide, Quad High-Definition (WQHD) monitor will cost you upward of $500, while a high-end 30-inch Ultra High-Definition (UHD) display can go for around $2000 to $3000. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend big dollars for a sizable midrange UHD monitor; there are plenty of 28-inch models based on Twisted Nematic (TN) panel technology that can be had for around $500 or less if you shop wisely.

Size
While it’s always nice to work with a big screen, it’s not always practical or cost effective. A 22-inch widescreen model is good for basic office tasks and will fit easily on most desktops; a 24-inch widescreen is a good fit for users who need to have more than one window open at any given time. If there’s room (and budget), a 27-inch screen is ideal for multitasking, while a 29-inch, ultra-wide model offers a space-saving alternative to a dual-monitor setup.

Panel Technology
Monitors that use Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are usually the most cost effective displays because TN panels cost less to manufacture than In-Plane Switching (IPS), Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA), or Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment (MVA) panels. You’ll get wider viewing angles and more accurate color and grayscale performance from IPS, PVA, and MVA panels than you will from a TN panel, but if you don’t require a high degree of accuracy and lots of picture settings, most TN panels will get the job done.

Resolution
These days, nearly every monitor is capable of displaying content in high definition. Models that are under 22 inches will usually have a maximum resolution of 1,366-by-768, which means it can only go as high as 720p. The most common resolution is 1,920-by-1,080, which gives you Full High-Definition (FHD) at 1080p, which is ideal for watching video. For users who work with highly detailed images or are involved with graphics design, a WQHD monitor offers a 2,560-by-1,440 resolution and is typically a 27-inch model. An Ultra High-Definition (UHD) monitor is at the top of the resolution food chain and comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 24-inches on up.

Features
As is usually the case with features, the more you get the more you’ll pay. A monitor with a highly adjustable ergonomic stand (height, tilt, swivel, and pivot) will cost a good deal more than a display that only has a tilt adjustment. The same goes for I/O ports; if you need DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA connectivity, you’ll pay a premium. If your desktop PCs don’t have DisplayPort outputs, there’s no reason to pay extra for a monitor with DisplayPort inputs, but try to go with at least one HDMI port if possible as it will connect to lots of different external devices.

If your employees are constantly plugging thumb drives and other USB peripherals into their PC, a monitor with a USB hub can be a big time-saver. Look for one with side-mounted ports, so you don’t have to reach around the back of the monitor every time you plug or unplug a device. For users that require accurate colors, a monitor with extensive image settings menu is a must. Some models come with a bundled calibration solution but there are several third-party solutions available as well.

Extras
Built-in speakers can reclaim valuable desktop workspace but they are typically underpowered and tinny sounding. If management does not want employees listening to music or watching videos at their desks, look for monitors without embedded speakers. The same goes for webcams; they can be useful for video conferencing but can also be a distraction in the workplace if misused. If you plan on using wall mounting kits to conserve desk space, make sure the monitors are equipped with VESA-compliant mounting holes. Lastly, look for a monitor that comes with a three year warranty that covers parts, labor, and backlighting.

For more on what to consider when choosing a monitor, read our buying guide, as well as our guides for choosing displays for photo editing and graphic design. And be sure to check out our favorite business displays, as well as our top monitor picks.